Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025
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A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
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DNA damage, inflammation and aging: Insights from mice
Ermioni S Arvanitaki1,2, Kalliopi Stratigi1, George A Garinis1,2
1Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
Frontiers in Aging
|September 26, 2022
Summary
Persistent DNA damage triggers chronic inflammation with aging. Studying genome instability in mice reveals links between DNA lesions and immune signaling, offering new therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Immunology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Persistent DNA lesions accumulate with age, initiating inflammation.
- DNA damage-induced inflammation can become self-perpetuating, causing cellular dysfunction and tissue degeneration.
- This chronic inflammation contributes to metabolic complications and age-associated diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional link between irreparable DNA lesions and innate immune signaling.
- To explore the role of genome maintenance and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways in age-related inflammation.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting DNA damage in aging-associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing murine models with genetic defects in genome maintenance.
- Employing models with deficiencies in the DNA damage response (DDR).
- Analyzing the interplay between DNA lesions and innate immune signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Inborn defects in genome maintenance exacerbate DNA damage accumulation.
- Impaired DNA damage response amplifies innate immune signaling.
- Irreparable DNA lesions are functionally linked to chronic inflammation in aging.
Conclusions:
- DNA damage is a critical driver of age-related inflammation and cellular malfunction.
- Understanding genome instability pathways is key to combating premature aging.
- Targeting DNA damage and immune signaling offers novel therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases.
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